Trainer Mario Hortis' Heart-Pumping Playlist

Mario Hortis, instructor at Crunch gym in Miami Beach and Chicago, shares the bands he turns to when it's his turn to hit the gym.

By Mario Hortis and Kristen Diederich

Mario's Pick: Green Day
Why: "Because it's energetic, fast rock with a great beat."
FITNESS recommends: "Basket Case" - An oldie but goodie that we can't help but sing along to.

Mario's Pick: 2Pac
Why: "It's driving hip-hop with hard beats and rhythms."
FITNESS recommends: "Ambitionz Az a Ridah" - Perfect for hitting the weights.

Mario's Pick: Scooter
Why: "A stadium DJ with fast BPM (beats per minute) and tribal remixes."
FITNESS recommends: "Fire" - If this doesn't light a fire under you, we don't know what will.

Mario's Pick: Motley Crue
Why: "The same people that roll their eyes when the songs start are singing along by the end and working their butt off."
FITNESS recommends: "Kickstart My Heart" - Whoa, yeah.

Mario's Pick: Daddy Yankee
Why: "My Miami clients love reggaeton, and Chicago clients like the Latin hip hop/reggae mixes."
FITNESS recommends: "Gasolina" - Because it has the power to make even make lunges fun.

Mario's Pick: Tiesto or Oakenfold remixes
Why: "My clients love songs they know. These guys turn up the RPMs and harden the beats."
FITNESS recommends: "In the Dark" from Tiesto and Christian Burns (a beautiful techno song), and "Ready, Steady, Go" from Oakenfold (it's impossible to NOT feel like a badass when this is playing).

Originally published on FitnessMagazine.com, August 2008.